GCC cautions against uncontrolled nuclear programmes in Middle East

The six member states of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, GCC, have warned of looming risks and humanitarian effects of uncontrolled military nuclear programmes in the Middle East.

The GCC also called upon North Korea to fully comply with obligations enshrined in relevant UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, and to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, by implementing the NPT Safeguards Agreement.

The warning was made in a joint statement by the six GCC members - Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain- delivered by Kuwait's Permanent Delegate at the UN in Vienna, Ambassador Sadeq Marafi, during a meeting of the Preparatory Committee for the 2020 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-­Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, NPT.

The possession and development of nuclear weapons could not create regional and international peace and security, the GCC said while reiterating that the only way to avoid nuclear risks is to get rid of them.

The credibility of the NPT is based on three pillars: disarmament, non­proliferation and peaceful uses, the GCC statement pointed out.

Voicing concern over failure to develop UN nuclear disarmament mechanisms, mainly the NPT and calling for concrete measures in this regard, the GCC said that the aims and goals of the NPT cannot be fully achieved unless non-­parties, particularly Israel, join the treaty, he said.

The GCC statement further highlighted that it is up to every country to determine its own choices and to take its own decisions in the field of peaceful nuclear uses.

In the statement, the regional bloc reiterated its support for the crucial role played by the IAEA in the promoting of international cooperation in the domain of peaceful nuclear uses in a safe manner.

A nuclear and WMD-­free Middle East is the only way to ensure regional security and stability, the GCC said, and noted that Palestine's joining of the NPT and even its bid to sign the NPT Safeguards Agreement reflected all Arab countries' commitment to, and eagerness on, international security and peace.

The Preparatory Committee for the 2020 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non­Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is holding its first session to 12 May 2017 at the Vienna International Centre.

This will be the first of three planned sessions that will be held prior to the 2020 Review Conference.

The Preparatory Committee, open to all States parties to the Treaty, is responsible for addressing substantive and procedural issues related to the Treaty and the forthcoming Review Conference.

The NPT entered into force in 1970 and was extended indefinitely in 1995. The Treaty is regarded as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non­proliferation regime and an essential foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament.

It was designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, to further the goals of nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament, and to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. WAM/MMYS

source : wam